Description

Set up and operate machines, such as lathes, milling and engraving machines, and jig borers to make working models of metal or plastic objects. Includes template makers.

Interests

Realistic
Conventional

Learn More about Interests

Work Values

Support
Working Conditions
Achievement

Learn More about Work Values

Work Styles

Attention to Detail
Integrity
Analytical Thinking
Innovation
Dependability

Learn More about Work Styles

Tasks

Study blueprints, drawings, and sketches to determine material dimensions, required equipment, and operations sequences.
Inspect and test products to verify conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments or circuit testers.
Drill, countersink, and ream holes in parts and assemblies for bolts, screws, and other fasteners, using power tools.
Cut, shape, and form metal parts, using lathes, power saws, snips, power brakes and shears, files, and mallets.
Set up and operate machines, such as lathes, drill presses, punch presses, or bandsaws, to fabricate prototypes or models.

Work Activities

Getting Information
Controlling Machines and Processes
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
Handling and Moving Objects

Detailed Work Activities

Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Technology Skills

Spreadsheet software
Computer aided manufacturing CAM software
Office suite software
Word processing software
Computer aided design CAD software

Abilities

Near Vision
Arm-Hand Steadiness
Visualization
Reaction Time
Control Precision

Skills

Operation and Control
Operations Monitoring
Monitoring
Quality Control Analysis
Critical Thinking

Knowledge

Design
Mathematics
Engineering and Technology
Mechanical
Production and Processing

Most Common Education Level

The “Most Common Education Level” refers to the level of education held by the majority of workers in a given occupation. For example, if the highest percentage of workers in a role have an Associate’s Degree, that suggests this is the typical educational requirement. Knowing this helps you plan how many years of education you may need to pursue that career.

Certificates

These are the certification(s) applicable to Model Makers, Metal and Plastic:

This information is currently unavailable.

Income Percentile

The income percentiles show how earnings are distributed within a profession. The 10th percentile means that 10% of workers earned less than that amount. The median (50th percentile) indicates that half of workers earned more, and half earned less. The 90th percentile reflects what the top 10% of earners in the field make.

Income Percentile	Annual Income
Low (10%)	$38,430
Median (50%)	$62,700
High (90%)	$95,780

Employability

There are currently 2,900 jobs in this career path. Over the next 10 years, that number is expected to decrease to 2,400 positions, reflecting a projected decline of -18%.

The Projected Job Growth figure refers to the expected increase or decrease in employment within a specific career field over a certain period of time.

Projected Job Growth of -18%

Related Careers

Industrial Machinery Mechanics

Median Annual Income

$59,140

Projected Job Growth

+17 %

Career Cluster(s)

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Most Common Education Level

High school diploma or equivalent

Repair, install, adjust, or maintain industrial production and processing machinery or refinery and pipeline distribution systems. May also install, dismantle, or move machinery and heavy equipment according to plans.

RealisticConventionalInvestigative

Electrical and Electronic Equipment Assemblers

Median Annual Income

$44,210

Projected Job Growth

+7 %

Career Cluster(s)

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Most Common Education Level

High school diploma or equivalent

Assemble or modify electrical or electronic equipment, such as computers, test equipment telemetering systems, electric motors, and batteries.

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Engine and Other Machine Assemblers

Median Annual Income

$48,578

Projected Job Growth

-21 %

Career Cluster(s)

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Most Common Education Level

High school diploma or equivalent

Construct, assemble, or rebuild machines, such as engines, turbines, and similar equipment used in such industries as construction, extraction, textiles, and paper manufacturing.

RealisticConventional

Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters

Median Annual Income

$61,741

Projected Job Growth

-15 %

Career Cluster(s)

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Most Common Education Level

High school diploma or equivalent

Fabricate, position, align, and fit parts of structural metal products.

RealisticConventional

Machinists

Median Annual Income

$50,131

Projected Job Growth

+2 %

Career Cluster(s)

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Most Common Education Level

High school diploma or equivalent

Set up and operate a variety of machine tools to produce precision parts and instruments out of metal. Includes precision instrument makers who fabricate, modify, or repair mechanical instruments. May also fabricate and modify parts to make or repair machine tools or maintain industrial machines, applying knowledge of mechanics, mathematics, metal properties, layout, and machining procedures.

RealisticConventionalInvestigative

Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic

Median Annual Income

$46,301

Projected Job Growth

-22 %

Career Cluster(s)

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Most Common Education Level

High school diploma or equivalent

Lay out, machine, fit, and assemble castings and parts to metal or plastic foundry patterns, core boxes, or match plates.

RealisticConventionalArtistic

Tool and Die Makers

Median Annual Income

$59,181

Projected Job Growth

-10 %

Career Cluster(s)

Construction

Most Common Education Level

Postsecondary certificate

Analyze specifications, lay out metal stock, set up and operate machine tools, and fit and assemble parts to make and repair dies, cutting tools, jigs, fixtures, gauges, and machinists' hand tools.

RealisticConventional

Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic

Median Annual Income

$64,477

Projected Job Growth

-4 %

Career Cluster(s)

Advanced Manufacturing

Most Common Education Level

High school diploma or equivalent

Lay out reference points and dimensions on metal or plastic stock or workpieces, such as sheets, plates, tubes, structural shapes, castings, or machine parts, for further processing. Includes shipfitters.

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Model Makers, Wood

Median Annual Income

$44,880

Projected Job Growth

-13 %

Career Cluster(s)

Construction

Most Common Education Level

High school diploma or equivalent

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Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic

Median Annual Income

$44,405

Projected Job Growth

+5 %

Career Cluster(s)

Advanced Manufacturing

Most Common Education Level

High school diploma or equivalent

Mold, shape, form, cast, or carve products such as food products, figurines, tile, pipes, and candles consisting of clay, glass, plaster, concrete, stone, or combinations of materials.

RealisticConventional

The career information and data on this site incorporates information from O*NET Web Services, Lightcast, CareerOneStop, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). For more details regarding the data sources and the specific information sourced, click here.